WIW: Floral wrap dress ain't quite right - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW: Floral wrap dress ain't quite right

Rachel

(website)

Hi folks! I am a bit intimidated to post here with y'all being so stylish and put-together, but I thought I would post this outfit. I went on a long Sunday walk to some local shops, which called for a cool dress and flat shoes.

I'm torn on the dress. While I loved it on the rack, the colors and print aren't what I normally gravitate towards (I mostly pick more graphic prints and autumn-y colors). I also can't decide if the silhouette is cute or housedress-y/too fussy. Perhaps it needs to be accessorized? Paired with heels? Fancier hair or makeup? To be passed along to a friend?

There's a cameo pin holding the neckline closed. I couldn't find a single safety pin, and wrap dresses are tricky!

Dress: Lapis
Loafers: SAS

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22 replies

Latest reply was from harmonica

Deborah

Veteran

Rachel this dress is lovely and has a real vintage vibe to it. I am on the fence re the loafters. I know they are on trend but I really like a more girly and vintagey shoe with a dress like this. Do you have a little cropped denim jacket to go over it?

Rachel

(website)

I definitely see what you mean about the loafers, Deborah! I myself like them much better with trousers than skirts, but they're so temptingly comfortable. If you could pair any kind of shoe with this dress, what would you go for?

Love the idea of a cropped denim jacket to go with-- I was just eyeing Angie's in another post!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Did you see Angie's formula for a fit and flare dress paired with a denim jacket?

http://youlookfab.com/2012/05/.....-of-shoes/

While the dresses featured in Angie's formula aren't exactly the same as your dress, they are all 'fit and flare' dresses. I think your dress definitely has potential.

What about pairing with ballet flats *or* wedge sandals/heels and a cropped, fitted denim jacket?

It's a really nice dress, and I suspect it's all in the accessorizing/styling to make it really shine. It does *not* look house-dress-y or anything of the kind.

Welcome to YLF

ManidipaM

Veteran

Goodness, Rachel! I'm not sure what I was expecting when you said the dress 'ain't quite right', but this is absolutely beautiful!

I'd wear that on its own, as is in a heartbeat --- the fit looks perfect, and I love the retro volume of the skirt with the nipped-in waist. Makes me want to dance or twirl or something! It's less like the straighter A-line of the 80s or the narrower draped skirt of some sheath-like --- is the volume what's giving you pause? Be assured the neat top half is making sure it looks nothing like a 'housedress'.

The print is also very pretty on you. I think autumn palettes often look delightfully freshened up by a shot of blue. But if you're missing your regular colours, consider adding some accessories in those? Red belt, shoes and bag would be a no-brainer with that print. But any of those in yellow or orange, or a kelly green if you wear that, would look great too. I'd keep jewellery quite small and delicate, not to compete with the neckline, but a bolder cuff might look nice.

I think heels or fancy hair and makeup aren't mandatory. I can see this looking terrific with just ballet flats --- and it does, on you!

The cameo pin is a sweet idea, but another option for a wrap neckline might be to just add a cami under it.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think the blue print is very pretty on you and it is a great shape. I can't really see the shoes well enough to say anything about them in particular, but there is no reason to wear heels if they are not comfortable or appropriate to your activities. You look great.

cobaltblue

Veteran

I love this dress! Where did you find it?

Anonymous

Very cute dress, no problems with flats and their is nothing wrong with the loafers but I would have picked a sandal or ballerina flat.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Rachel, this is a lovely dress. The fit and style are perfect for you and for the occasion. I agree with the others that a lighter shoe would work well here -- even a flat and comfy sandal, but I wouldn't let the lack of a "perfect" solution get in the way of a beautiful dress. Check out Diana's posts. She wears a lot of retro inspired pieces and loves a dress or skirt, but she has a very individualized, edgy way with these items. Perhaps incorporating some of her ideas would make this dress feel more like "you."

Everyone needs at least one dress that will give a good twirl!

christieanne

Veteran

A very nice dress on you - the retro flare is fun and fresh. I think a ballet flat would be nice or a colored loafer - something that resonates with the retro vibe - maybe a two toned oxford?
A cami could work underneath too. If you want to really do the whole retro vibe, pull hair up in a bun or ponytail and add some red lips. Denim jacket is a great idea too.
I love that you posted this one - very pretty!

sarah

Veteran

This is very pretty! I could see it with a Mary Jane retro-ish pump. What do you think?

http://www.zappos.com/miz-mooz.....cTest=fw:0

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V.....038;hvqmt=

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fab frock! I like all the shoe suggestions too.

I can't see the loafers well enough either - but they have potential.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Love this dress on you Rachel!

Anonymous

I think it's a great dress Rachel! I'd wear it with flat sandals or a bright ballet flat, perhaps in one of your earthy colors like mustard? Ditto for a topper or shrug that might bring a preferred hue up by your face. You look beautiful, and keep posting, so we can establish a sort of baseline for the styles and colors that you feel really are *you*. Nice to have you with us!

Kiwichik

Veteran

I love, love .love this dress and looks great with the loafers - I like this just as it is.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I wouldn't change a thing. I think you look fantastic and you have real style.

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Gorgeous dress!

teeandcee

I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. I love the dress and love it on you!

Irene

Veteran

that's a gorgeous dress on you. period.

Rachel

(website)

Thank you so much, everyone! I see vastly more possibilities in this dress now. I love the idea of adding in some sort of fitted top, especially one that's in closer to my normal palette. I'll give a cropped cardigan or jacket a shot next time!

I wonder if my hesitation over the loafers comes from the suspicion that a flat, closed shoe makes my calves look vast and me much shorter. But hey, even that's an improvement-- back in college, I was barely brave enough to wear a leg-baring skirt at all!

For cobaltblue, I spent a frustrating hour trying to figure out what company made this. The label says 'Lapis,' and the parent company is 'Cirana,' but nothing will tell me who retails their products. I picked it up at my local Goodwill: one of my best finds ever!

Meredith1953

Veteran

I love the dress on you! A fitted jacket denim or otherwise would just look lovely. I think you can wear a lot of different kinds of footwear depending on the jacket or vibe you want to give off. Ballet flats when you are feeling demure. Booties when you want to be more edgy and of course oxfords would all look great! I'm not sure about those particular loafers but they might work with a darker short jacket or even a pullover in the Fall/Winter.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Looks like a lovely dress!!

harmonica

Veteran

Lovely dress! This is in fact what I am looking for - a summer dress with a retro vibe, fitted top and flared skirt - though I havn't found anything yet